EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU integration progress and the upcoming priorities of the Irish Presidency.
He said he discussed Albania’s reform progress and the next steps in the negotiation process with Irish officials.
According to Hoxha, Irish counterparts confirmed that enlargement will remain a central focus during their EU Council Presidency in 2026.
“I went to Ireland and found a very open door,” Hoxha said. “We discussed a shared vision, and they confirmed that enlargement will be a key priority.”
Meanwhile, Hoxha also addressed recent protests in Tirana. He said Albania maintains open and transparent communication with EU partners on all issues.
“We discuss everything with our partners,” he said. “Nothing happens in Albania that we do not talk about together.”
He stressed that communication with EU institutions remains constant at all levels.
Hoxha said EU member states rely on assessments from the European Commission when evaluating developments in candidate countries. He also commented on the visibility of protests in Albania. He said citizens are exercising their democratic freedoms openly.
“Albania is in the news everywhere,” he said. “Citizens are in the streets expressing their views freely.”
However, he added that this situation does not currently raise concerns among EU member states. He said partners trust the European Commission’s assessments.
At the same time, Hoxha said Albania remains ready to engage whenever needed.
“We always hold open discussions with our partners at every level,” he said.
/a.c/
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